A few months ago I was asked to do a commission for a 25th wedding anniversary (the silver anniversary) present from a husband to his wife. Although a bit intimidated, I was really excited about it. Through lots of brainstorming with other family members and friends of the family, I was able to come up with an idea for the gift. I had started collecting old silverplated platters a number of months ago with vague ideas for them in mind, and this opportunity seemed perfect for some of my ideas. So I pitched the idea of creating silhouetted portraits on antique silver platters to the family and they were excited about the idea. Then I got to work! I collected photos of all the family members and turned them into silhouettes. Then I made hardware for the platters to hang from. I think that was my favorite part...not sure why. I also made these little fluer shapes that have the anniversary date stamped into them. It took me forever to get 5 platters that were the same basic oval shape. They are all different, and I like that they look old. I want to make more! 
After weeks of work and worry, I finished the platters and was really happy with how they turned out! I delivered them to the family this weekend and got a great response. I was glad they asked me to do the project and that they gave me so much freedom to work. I had a lot of fun and know it was a great experience for me!
After weeks of work and worry, I finished the platters and was really happy with how they turned out! I delivered them to the family this weekend and got a great response. I was glad they asked me to do the project and that they gave me so much freedom to work. I had a lot of fun and know it was a great experience for me!
Some gallery shots...
Me and my piece...
This piece is by ASU sculpture grad, Ryan Lamfers.
This piece is called Urban Sprawl by Damien Johnson, and is real cactus with neon!
This skull and portrait of Britney Spears created with swimming pool lane lines, was made by ASU painting grad, Ryan Miller.
This is the work (below) of Photographer, Christoper Colville.
This ceramic installation by ASU ceramics grad, Jesse Armstrong was really interesting.
I was completely captivated by this motorized rotating piece by sculptor Al Price. It spun slowly in a circle, chaging your view from spheres, to circles, to flat planes and casting beautiful shadows on the wall.
There is so much great work in the show, I can't share all of it, and you need to see it in person. Take a walk in the Tempe Marketplace, get some sushi at Kabuki (delicious by the way!), go see some great art, and make a night of it!
Michaelene Walsh was there teaching ceramics. These cups were in the faculty show. The images below are taken from the 
"Elegy"
"Bittersweet"
"Ghost"
Another instrctor that was there, was Jennifer Angus. I have to admit I was a bit starstruck when I met her...I only give lectures to my students about her work a couple times a semester! Jennifer creates huge installations using real bugs. She creates a wallpaper like pattern on the walls of a room using little insect bodies. Her work is beautiful. She was super nice and everyone who took her class had a great time. Check out her website 
This is one of her installations.
This is a detail from a different installation. All the colors of the bugs are natural. Isn't it just beautiful?
"Enso Flask #1"
"Bubinga Swirl"
David Ellsworth was also there teaching wood turning. I didn't really get a chance to meet him, but I enjoyed listening to and watching his slide show. These are some of his hollow turned vessels. (above and below)
I also got to meet Printmaker and Book Artist 
And last, but not least, is Becky Chader McDonah. Becky is the metals professor at ASU, and the reason I was able to go to Arrowmont. The piece above is what she had in the faculty show at Arrowmont. It was hard to get a picture of because it is actually supposed to be mounted on the wall. Its a little cootie plaque. Becky's work always makes me smile.
This is a raised bowl she made as a reliquary for dandelion seeds.
